Call for Entries: Saatchi & Saatchi New Directors Showcase

Today, Saatchi & Saatchi invites candidates from around the world to submit films for the 2021 New Directors Showcase (NDS).  

The legendary Saatchi & Saatchi New Directors Showcase provides a platform for up-and-coming talented directors /creators and celebrates the very best in creativity, storytelling and moving image innovation. This is the 31st year that the NDS has presented groundbreaking director/ Creator talent from around the globe at the Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity

The late Paul Arden, a former Saatchi & Saatchi executive creative director, presented the inaugural NDS and it quickly established a reputation for unearthing directing talent of the future in its pre-digital era. As the NDS continues to evolve, its commitment remains the same and today in an age of social media, smartphones, Youtube and TikTok enabling anyone to set out their stall as a director, it provides the cut through to unearthing new talent. The show connects with and inspires future talent, providing a rare giveback to the industry whilst showing commitment to fostering new directing talent. 

Kate Stanners, chairwoman and global chief creative officer at Saatchi & Saatchi says: “It has been a challenging year for the creative industry, but what has been incredible is the tenacity and ingenuity that has been demonstrated by emerging creative talent, proving that whatever the challenge creativity will find a way.”

There will be a twofold judging process to decide on who is selected for the final reel.  One internal made up from Saatchi and Saatchi Worldwide Creative Council and one made up from an external panel of elite jurors who are well respected for their contribution to film making and creating.

How to Enter:

1. Eligibility


The Saatchi & Saatchi New Director’s Showcase is open to directors, creators and makers of all film formats, experiences and styles. 

However, please note that candidates are not eligible for consideration if they directed any film ‘specifically made for advertising purposes' before June 2019. 

2. Selection Criteria 

• Outstanding directional skill in any format

• Innovative style or technique or use of platform or channel

• Exceptional craft in its content creation


3. Submissions and Deadline 

The New Director’s Showcase is free to enter

Please send a link to your film to the following email address by Friday 21st May 2021: newdirectorsshowcase@gmail.com